According to John Parker, vice president and general manager, Northrop Grumman Technology Services, the contractor will provide capabilities that go beyond daily sustainment operations to provide forward-thinking, analytical solutions for the C-27J platform.

“Our process is predictive, holistic and continually optimised to provide game-changing mission readiness. This enables us to anticipate necessary modernisations and enhancements to the fleet,” he said.

The contract affirmed Northrop’s commitment the developing its presence in Australia and supporting a commitment to improving sovereign capability, capacity and support services, Ian Irving, chief executive of Northrop Grumman, said.

“The C-27J through-life-support program directly supports Northrop Grumman’s vision to develop Australian talent and capabilities in keeping with the Australian defence industry initiative,” he said.

“This program represents the strategic foundation for Northrop Grumman upon which we can build sovereign Australian capabilities to sustain and modernise the fifth generation air force of the future.”

Irving said Northrop Grumman’s through-life-support experience with platforms such as KC-30A will help ensure the C-27J program performance aligns with the customer’s evolving needs and brings a higher level of platform stewardship to the program.

Northrop Grumman will team with Leonardo, the original equipment manufacturer for the aircraft, to allow the business to reduce primary risks to data access, design engineering support and supply chain management, Mr Irving said.

Minister for Defence Industry Christopher Pyne said the sustainment contract with Northrop Grumman Australia will ensure ongoing jobs for at least 40 Australian workers.

"Not only will this contract provide jobs for workers at RAAF Base Richmond and RAAF Base Amberley, it will also develop Australian industry capabilities in support of the Spartan into the future," Minister Pyne said.

Initially provided in Richmond, NSW, the services will move to Amberley, Queensland, when the Spartan relocates in 2019.

The contract is expected to become fully operational from January 2018.